Keratinization in the Development of Mammal Tegumental System: A Revision of the Literature

  • Ana Paula da Silva USP
  • Elizangela dos Anjos da Silva USP
  • Francisco Javier Hernandez-Blazquez USP

Abstract

The tegumental system develops according to different classes of animals and attends each species’s adaptation requirements. In fact, the protection of the animal is its main function. Mammal keratinization process involves the impermeability of the skin and contributes towards the control of compounds and etiological agents. The formation of tegumental annexes, associated to the keratinization process, also acts as a defensive mechanism. Current revision of the literature relates the embryological development phases of the tegumental system and its functions in mammals with keratinization processes. Results show that the development phases of the tegumental structures are related to protection during the pregnancy period.

Author Biographies

Ana Paula da Silva, USP
Mestranda do Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres do Departamento de Cirurgia da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP. E-mail: paulasilvabio@gmail.com
Elizangela dos Anjos da Silva, USP
Doutoranda do Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres do Departamento de Cirurgia da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP. E-mail: elizangela@usp.br
Francisco Javier Hernandez-Blazquez, USP
Docente Titular do Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo - USP. E-mail: fjhblazq@usp.br
Published
2008-09-25
Section
Artigos de Revisão